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Elgin, Illinois, a northwest suburb 40 miles from Chicago, is one of the fastest-growing cities in Kane County. The community of 108,000, located in the Fox River Valley, features several lush nature preserves and bike trails for daytime activities. At night, Elgin’s downtown district provides a romantic respite for couples with a gallery space, cultural center and fine restaurants.

Hotel Packages

The Elgin area has several hotels offering getaway packages for couples. The Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Chicago Northwest-Elgin (holidayinn.com) has a Romantic Escapes package that includes a bottle of sparkling wine, chocolates and flower bouquet with the cost of a standard room. The Hotel Baker (hotelbaker.com) in St. Charles, 10 miles from Elgin, is housed in a renovated mansion. Some of the hotel’s 53 rooms have romantic views of the Fox River. The luxurious penthouse suite features an outdoor patio and whirlpool. Hotel Baker offers two specials for couples: The Romance on the River package pampers lovers with flowers, chocolate-covered strawberries and an in-room couples’ massage, and the Melt Away package features chocolate martinis and a deluxe room. After checking in, couples can enjoy dinner at the hotel’s Rox City Grill or relax over a drink in the wine and martini lounge.

Bed and Breakfast

Couples looking for a romantic weekend escape can visit the Mansion Bed and Breakfast (themansionbedandbreakfast.com) in West Dundee, five miles from Elgin. Originally a private estate built in 1907, the inn offers four individually decorated rooms and three extended-stay rooms, some with a wet bar or private whirlpool. It’s located near bike trails, shopping and restaurants and a riverboat. The Victorian Rose Garden (sleepandeat.com) in Algonquin, 10 miles from Elgin, offers four rooms in a lovely Victorian-style house, each with a private bath. The inn's Anniversary Memories Package features two nights in a king room with a fireplace, along with a dozen roses and a gift certificate for the Zagat-rated Port Edward Restaurant (portedward.com). The Portside Romance package includes one night in a queen room and a seafood buffet at the Port Edward.

Typical Weather

Elgin, Illinois in

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The temperature in Elgin, Illinois in January tends to be very predictable, so you can generally count on the forecast and travel light.

The temperature in Elgin, Illinois in January is somewhat unpredictable, so be on the safe side and prepare for a variety of conditions.

The temperature in Elgin, Illinois in January is highly unpredictable, so use the forecast as a guide, but be ready for anything!

Romantic Dining

Villa Verone (villaverone.net) in downtown Elgin serves homestyle Italian cuisine in a softly lit dining room decorated with framed black-and-white photographs. The restaurant's fixed-price dinner special for two includes two entrees, an appetizer, dessert and a bottle of wine. Couples can salsa dance every Friday night after their meals, when tables are moved to the side and the conga beat pulsates. The Milk Pail (themilkpail.com), six miles from Elgin, in East Dundee, opened in 1929. A former creamery converted into a restaurant, it’s a favorite spot for weddings. The Milk Pail's Sunday Champagne Jazz Brunch features a buffet that includes smoked fish and crepes. Chandeliers hang from the dining room’s beamed ceiling, and large windows give patrons a sweeping, romantic view of the grounds.

Arts and Entertainment

Arts-loving couples can take in an event at The Hemmens Cultural Center (hemmens.org). An Elgin landmark since 1969, the center plays host to concerts, plays and performances by local dance troupes and the Elgin Symphony Orchestra. The Martini Room (martiniroomelgin.com), a lounge that serves dozens of different martinis and mixed drinks, gives couples a cozy place to dance and sample new libations. Paintings by local artists adorn the walls, and the lounge sponsors different events throughout the week, such as Retro Music Night and Gallery Night.

About the Author

Marianne Moro is a copywriter and journalist based in Hollywood. She has been writing professionally since 1999, specializing in home remodeling, interior decorating, pets, travel and holistic health. Moro was a part-time editor and contributing writer for Remodeleze.com, a home remodeling and decorating website, and has also contributed to the Cutting Chair and Entertainment Today.

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